How would you word this?

[JennJubie]

As I stated in another thread, I'm a go with my gut kind of person. So here's my problem: I had an interview booked with a family. Mom called me 20 minutes after they were supposed to be there and said "Oh, I completely forgot we had an appointment with you until now, can we reschedule?" and because I thought maybe just maybe it was an honest mistake I said ok. On the rescheduled day, they showed up 30 minutes late for the interview. During the interview Mom tells me that they are looking for full time Mon - Fri 8 - 4:30. Now she contacts me almost 3 weeks after our interview saying that she now wants only part time for an undetermined amount of time as her husband is still looking for work. I do NOT want to take on this family. My gut says NO NO NO. Any advice on a very polite way to tell them I won't take them on?

[gramma]

Go with your gut!!! as far as i can see, they already have 3 strikes against them.

[treeholm]

"I'm sorry, I do not have a part-time space available." I think that is polite. If you take them on, you will probably regret it.

[Dreamalittledream]

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

[Crayola kiddies]

Well since its been three weeks just contact them and say the space has been filled or if your still advertising and you dont want them to think you are dishonest just say you don't have a part time space available at this time

[kidlove]

all you need to do is give a call and inform them you really enjoyed meeting them but you no longer have room for their child, wish them best of luck and thank them for their time. You could even let them know that you will give a call if anything opens up.

[MonkeyPrincess]

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

This is how i would reply!

[JennJubie]

Thanks for the advice! I guess I kind of feel a little uncomfortable with this because it was a bad impression that led me to this decision rather than a true lack of space.

[kidlove]

just because you have space doesn't mean you have to take someone....consider it a "bad fit" not a bad impression! we always have to remember this is our home as well as our business, if we are not comfortable with a potential or current client, we have every right to politely decline our services.

[Momof4]

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

I like this very much, polite and to the point.